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Reading Nook

Addressing social isolation

Social isolation among older adults was recognized as a public health issue before the pandemic but frequent lockdowns have had a significant negative impact on the situation.   Social isolation and its impacts on health and well-being and our communities…

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A turnaround in pension plans

In 2020, public pension plans hit their highest level in 20 years.   The first quarter of 2020 was awful for pension plans. During the pandemic, markets crashed and dragged down returns. Annual reports from top-performing plans in Canada showed…

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The backpack that came back

Lise Saint-Laurent Fleury, second from the left, holding the backpack surrounded by her siblings.   The Guns of August is the title of an acclaimed book about the First World War. The coincidences of August could be the title of…

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What’s going on with the “marriage over 60” clause?

Ardith Bennett married her second husband after he was 60 years old and lost her health benefits when he died. Credit: Jana Chytilova   Eliminating the “marriage over 60” clause in the Canadian Forces Superannuation Act was an election promise…

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When marriage goes wrong

In several provinces, marriage revokes a will and some looking to take advantage of vulnerable seniors have used that to their advantage.   Concern about the exploitation of an aging population vulnerable to predatory marriages has led to calls across…

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The case for seniors advocates

Isobel Mackenzie, the seniors advocate in British Columbia, has been an outspoken leader on several related issues. Credit: Adrian Lam   Federal Retirees is currently advocating for an independent seniors advocate in Alberta, and last year, the Association supported a…

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Rebooting long-term care

Seniors groups are calling for new national standards and a comprehensive seniors strategy that includes a commitment to work on older adult care. Credit: Cpl. Genevieve Beaulieu   When the pandemic descended with particularly tragic consequences on vulnerable seniors in long-term…

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Small vaccination victories

As the vaccine rollout continues across Canada, retirees are starting to consider what parts of their lives they missed most and want back. Credit: Dave Chan   You’re never too old to miss your mom, and for Gary Springer, the hardest…

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Election: Sooner than later?

Under the Canada Elections Act, the next election must be called prior to Oct. 16, 2023, but most minority governments have lasted fewer than two years.   The Landscape Following the 2019 election, the Liberals ended up with a minority government,…

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Getting your ZZZZZs

Anxiety and stress play into a poor night’s sleep, but there are other factors, too, and unfortunately, age is one of them.   You’re retired. You have a pension. Chances are, you’re no longer burdened with a mortgage. So, why…

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Recruitment has its rewards

This year’s mega-recruitment drive had many rewards for its hardest-working volunteers, including a draw for a $10,000 cash prize.   For Terry Davis, becoming a member of Federal Retirees is a no-brainer. “As a traveller, my big thing is having…

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The vaccination bosses 

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization is behind recommendations on policies related to vaccine distribution.   In an ideal world, everyone would have access to a COVID-19 vaccine at the same time. But we know there is a staggered supply…

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